COUNCIL bosses have rejected a bid to prevent the building of homes on Colchester’s prized Middlewick Ranges.

Campaigners are trying to stop the building of 1,000 homes on the former Army training base.

A nomination was made to list the Ministry of Defence owned beauty spot as an Asset of Community Value, but Colchester Council has rejected the application.

Nominations for the status can be made by community groups for land, building or structures that they believe benefit the social well-being or interests of the local community.

The council received a nomination to designate Middlewick Ranges as an Asset of Community Value in January this year.

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But after assessment, it has been determined that a significant portion of the land included in the nomination is restricted from public use.

This has rendered Middlewick Ranges ineligible to meet the criteria necessary for inclusion on the register.

Councillor Andrea Luxford Vaughan, portfolio holder for planning, environment and sustainability, said: “I understand the disappointment this decision may bring to the community.

“However, we have no other option than to consider applications against the prescribed criteria.”

Despite the unsuccessful nomination, the council has provided guidance to the community group who nominated the land, and there remains the possibility of a future nomination.

If land or buildings are registered as Assets of Community Value are put up for sale, the council must be notified and community groups have six weeks to register their intent to bid for the asset and have six months to raise the money, reach agreement or bid for the property.

After this period, the owner would have the right to sell the land or building to any party at any price, as stipulated by regulations.

There is no requirement to sell to the community group, even if they submitted the highest bid.

Dave Harris, ward councillor for Berechurch, said: “I have spoken with my fellow councillors and we feel as a group it is disappointing news.

“We were hoping it would be logged as an Asset of Community Value as for many decades it has been a community asset to our residents.

“We will appeal against that as we feel as if it is the wrong decision.”